Pipe clamp assembly

ABSTRACT

A pipe clamp assembly includes a pipe clamp comprising a first clamp segment and a second clamp segment, the first clamp segment defining an inner surface, a first end, and a second end, the second clamp segment defining an inner surface, a first end, and a second end, the inner surfaces of the first and second clamp segments defining a void extending through the pipe clamp; and a support flange coupled to the pipe clamp between the first end of the first clamp segment and the first end of the second clamp segment, the support flange substantially perpendicular to the void and configured to support the pipe clamp assembly on a support surface; wherein the void is configured to align with a pipe opening formed in the support surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/235,675, filed Apr. 20, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/930,904, filed Jul. 16, 2020, which issued intoU.S. Pat. No. 11,015,739 on May 25, 2021, which is a continuation ofU.S. application Ser. No. 16/144,514, filed Sep. 27, 2018, which issuedinto U.S. Pat. No. 10,781,944 on Sep. 22, 2020, all of which are herebyincorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to pipe clamps. More specifically, thisdisclosure relates to a pipe clamp comprising a pipe-engagingprojection.

BACKGROUND

Piping systems, such as fire sprinkler system piping and HVAC piping,can be mounted in a structure (e.g., a building) using various types ofpipe support assemblies (e.g., hangers, stanchions, risers, slides,guides, seismic braces, rollers, etc.). Some piping systems are subjectto dynamic loads (e.g., seismic loads from an earthquake or settling ofthe structure). Piping support assemblies can employ a seismic braceassembly to allow for movement of the piping system along with thestructure in response to dynamic loads. Additionally, vertical pipingsystems are often supported by friction riser clamps, which are subjectto performance variation from pipe manufacturing tolerances, variouspipe finishes, pipe cutting oils, and variations in bolt torque. Thesesame deficiencies may be present in longitudinal seismic braces, whereina pipe clamp is used to prevent movement longitudinally along the pipe.

Pipe support assemblies commonly comprise a pipe clamp for engaging apipe of the piping system with surrounding structure, such as walls orceilings of a building or internal support structures of the buildingsuch as an I-beam. The pipe clamp can define a void therethrough withinwhich the pipe is received. During a seismic event or another event thatcauses movement of the structure, the pipe can move relative to the pipeclamp, or vice versa, and the grip between the pipe clamp and the pipecan loosen. Further, pipe clamps can loosen over time due to movementand vibration of the pipe and pipe clamp relative to one another, whichcan cause further loosening of the grip between the pipe clamp and thepipe.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview ofthe disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it isintended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosurenor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is toexplain and exemplify certain concepts off the disclosure as anintroduction to the following complete and extensive detaileddescription.

Disclosed is a pipe clamp comprising a first clamp segment defining afirst semi-cylindrical wall; a second clamp segment defining a secondsemi-cylindrical wall, the first semi-cylindrical wall and secondsemi-cylindrical wall defining a void therebetween; a first projectionmonolithically formed with the first clamp segment, the first projectionextending from the first semi-cylindrical wall; and a fastener couplingthe first clamp segment to the second clamp segment.

Also disclosed is a seismic brace assembly comprising a pipe clampcomprising a first clamp segment defining a first semi-cylindrical walland a second clamp segment defining a second semi-cylindrical wall, thefirst semi-cylindrical wall defining a projection extending therefrom,the projection formed monolithically with the first clamp segment, thefirst semi-cylindrical wall and second semi-cylindrical wall defining avoid therebetween; a brace member; and a fastener assembly coupling thebrace member to the pipe clamp.

Also disclosed is a method for attaching a pipe clamp to a pipecomprising the steps of providing a first clamp segment, the first clampsegment defining a first semi-cylindrical wall and a first projectionextending from the first semi-cylindrical wall, the first projectionmonolithically formed with the first clamp segment; providing a secondclamp segment, the second clamp segment defining a secondsemi-cylindrical wall; positioning a pipe between the first clampsegment and the second clamp segment; engaging the pipe with the firstprojection; and fastening the first clamp segment to the second clampsegment.

A pipe clamp is disclosed, the pipe clamp comprising a first clampsegment defining an inner surface, an outer surface, a first side, and asecond side, the inner surface defining a first semi-cylindrical wall; asecond clamp segment defining an inner surface, an outer surface, afirst side, and a second side, the inner surface defining a secondsemi-cylindrical wall, the first semi-cylindrical wall and secondsemi-cylindrical wall defining a cylindrical void wall, the cylindricalvoid wall defining a void, the void configured to receive a pipeextending therethrough; and a plurality of projections monolithicallyformed with and extending from the cylindrical void wall, wherein theplurality of projections are spaced apart in a circumferential rowaround the cylindrical void wall, the circumferential row orientedcentrally between the first sides of the first and second clamp segmentsand the second sides of the first and second clamp segments, theplurality of projections configured to engage the pipe extending throughthe void.

Also disclosed is seismic brace assembly comprising a pipe clampcomprising: a first clamp segment defining a first semi-cylindricalwall; a second clamp segment defining a second semi-cylindrical wall,the first and second semi-cylindrical walls defining a cylindrical voidwall, the cylindrical void wall defining a void; and a plurality ofprojections extending from the cylindrical void wall, the plurality ofprojections oriented in a circumferential row around a center of thecylindrical void wall; a pipe extending fully through the void, the pipedefining an outer surface, each of the plurality of projections engagingthe outer surface; a brace member; and a fastener assembly rotatablycoupling the brace member to the pipe clamp.

A method for attaching a pipe clamp to a pipe is also disclosed, themethod comprising providing a first clamp segment, the first clampsegment defining a first lip, a first semi-cylindrical wall, and a firstplurality of projections extending from the first semi-cylindrical wall;providing a second clamp segment, the second clamp segment defining asecond lip, and a second semi-cylindrical wall, and a second pluralityof projections extending from the second semi-cylindrical wall, whereina slot is defined between the first lip and second lip, and wherein thefirst clamp segment and second clamp segment defining a voidtherebetween; positioning a pipe within the void between the first clampsegment and the second clamp segment; inserting a fastener through afirst opening of the first clamp segment and a second opening of thesecond clamp segment; tightening the fastener to deform the first clampsegment and second clamp segment against the pipe and to draw the firstlip towards the second lip; and engaging the pipe with the first andsecond plurality of projections.

Furthermore, disclosed is a pipe clamp assembly comprising a pipe clampcomprising a first clamp segment and a second clamp segment, the firstclamp segment defining an inner surface, a first end, and a second end,the second clamp segment defining an inner surface, a first end, and asecond end; a projection extending from the inner surface of the firstclamp segment, the projection defining a linear top edge configured toengage a pipe, the linear top edge oriented distal to the inner surfaceof the first clamp segment; and a support flange coupled to the pipeclamp proximate to the first end of the first clamp segment and thefirst end of the second clamp segment, the support flange configured tosupport the pipe clamp assembly on a support surface.

A method of supporting a pipe with a pipe clamp assembly is alsodisclosed, the method comprising providing a pipe clamp comprisingdefining a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and acylindrical void wall, a projection extending from the cylindrical voidwall, the projection defining a linear top edge distal to thecylindrical void wall; positioning a pipe within a void of the pipeclamp, the void defined by the cylindrical void wall; tightening thepipe clamp around the pipe to engage the linear top edge of theprojection with the pipe; coupling a support flange to the pipe clamp;and resting a base surface of the support flange on a support surface tosupport the pipe on the support surface.

Additionally, disclosed is a pipe clamp assembly comprising a pipe clampcomprising a first clamp segment and a second clamp segment, the firstclamp segment defining an inner surface, a first end, and a second end,the second clamp segment defining an inner surface, a first end, and asecond end, the inner surfaces of the first and second clamp segmentsdefining a void extending through the pipe clamp; and a support flangecoupled to the pipe clamp between the first end of the first clampsegment and the first end of the second clamp segment, the supportflange substantially perpendicular to the void and configured to supportthe pipe clamp assembly on a support surface; wherein the void isconfigured to align with a pipe opening formed in the support surface.

Also disclosed is a method of supporting a pipe with a pipe clampassembly comprising: providing a pipe clamp comprising a first clampsegment and a second clamp segment, each of the first clamp segment andthe second clamp segment defining a first end and a second end oppositethe first end; inserting the pipe through a pipe opening in asubstantially horizontal support surface; positioning the pipe within asubstantially vertical void of the pipe clamp, the substantiallyvertical void defined between the first clamp segment and the secondclamp segment; coupling a support flange to the pipe clamp, the supportflange extending substantially horizontally from the pipe clamp; andresting a base surface of the support flange on the substantiallyhorizontal support surface to support the pipe on the substantiallyhorizontal support surface.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure may includeadditional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may notnecessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all suchsystems, methods, features, and advantages be included within thepresent disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and components of the following figures are illustrated toemphasize the general principles of the present disclosure.Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may bedesignated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistencyand clarity.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a pipe clamp comprising a pair of clamphalves defining a plurality of projections, in accordance with oneaspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of one of the clamp halves of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of Detail Y of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the pipe clamp of FIG. 1 inengagement with a seismic brace assembly.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective detail view of a portion of another aspect ofa pipe clamp, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of a support flange, in accordance with oneaspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the pipe clamp of FIG. 5 inengagement with a pair of support flanges according to another aspect ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the pipe clamp of FIG. 5 inengagement with a pipe and a pair of the support flanges of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 9 shows a front, cross-sectional view of FIG. 8 taken along line9-9 and in engagement with a floor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference tothe following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, andthe previous and following description. However, before the presentdevices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is tobe understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specificdevices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified,and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularaspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of thepresent devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently knownaspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognizeand appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects ofthe present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, whilestill obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. Itwill also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the presentdisclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of thepresent disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, thosewho work in the art will recognize that many modifications andadaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even bedesirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the presentdisclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrativeof the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitationthereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more suchelements unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understoodthat the particular value forms another aspect. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint.

For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimensionmeasuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scalemeasures within a range between X plus an industry-standard uppertolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standardlower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances canvary between different materials, processes and between differentmodels, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particularcomponent can fall within a range of tolerances.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, andthat the description includes instances where said event or circumstanceoccurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular listand also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, oneshould note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do notinclude, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditionallanguage is not generally intended to imply that features, elementsand/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspectsor that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic fordeciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed inany particular aspect.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein,and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions,groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specificreference of each various individual and collective combinations andpermutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each isspecifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods andsystems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, butnot limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a varietyof additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each ofthese additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect orcombination of aspects of the disclosed methods.

Disclosed in the present application is a pipe clamp and associatedmethods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. Example aspects of thepipe clamp can comprise a pair of clamp halves and a pair of fastenersthat can couple the clamp halves together. The pipe clamp can beconfigured to engage a pipe of a piping system. The pipe clamp can alsocomprise a projection extending from one of the pair of clamp halves forengaging the pipe to improve the grip between the pipe clamp and thepipe. It would be understood by one of skill in the art that thedisclosed pipe clamp is described in but a few exemplary aspects amongmany. No particular terminology or description should be consideredlimiting on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first aspect of a pipe clamp 100 according to thepresent disclosure. The pipe clamp 100 can comprise a pair of clamphalves 102 a,b. Each of the clamp halves 102 a,b can define a first end104, an opposing second end 106, and a central section 108 between thefirst end 104 and second end 106. Example aspects of the first end 104and second end 106 can each be referred to as a clamp ear. In thecurrent aspect, each of the first end 104 and the second end 106 candefine fastener lugs extending from the central section 108. Further,each of the clamp halves 102 a,b can define an outer surface 110 and aninner surface 112. The first ends 104 of the clamp halves 102 a,b can beoriented adjacent one another, and the second ends 106 can be orientedadjacent one another, with the inner surfaces 112 of the clamp halves102 a,b facing towards each other. The inner surface 112 of the centralsection 108 of each clamp half 102 a,b can each respectively define agenerally semi-cylindrical wall 192 defining a generally semi-circularcross-section. The pair of semi-cylindrical walls 192 can togetherdefine generally cylindrical void wall 114. The void wall 114 can definea void 116 within which a pipe 418 (shown in FIG. 4 ) can be received.The pipe clamp 100 can further define a void axis C extending along acenterline of the void 116.

Each of the first ends 104 of the clamp halves 102 a,b can comprise alip 120 projecting from the inner surfaces 112 thereof, proximate to thecorresponding semi-cylindrical wall 192. Example aspects of the lip 120can be referred to as a clamp pad. Further, each of the second ends 106of the clamp halves 102 a,b can comprise a lip 120 projecting from theinner surfaces 112 thereof, proximate to the correspondingsemi-cylindrical wall 192. According to example aspects, a portion ofeach lip 120 can define a portion of the cylindrical void wall 114. Eachof the first ends 104 and second ends 106 of the clamp halves 102 a,bcan also define an opening 222 (shown in FIG. 2 ) extending from theouter surface 110 to the inner surface 112 and located proximate to acorresponding lip 120. As such, according to example aspects, each lip120 can be oriented between the void 116 and a corresponding opening222. Outer surfaces 110 of the clamp halves 102 a,b can define agenerally sinusoidal profile, as shown. Further, example aspects of theclamp halves 102 a,b can define one or more ribs 424 (shown in FIG. 4 )formed on the outer surfaces 110 of the clamp halves 102 a,b. Forexample, each of the first ends 104 and second ends 106 of the clamphalves 102 a,b can define a rib 424 extending along opposite sidesthereof.

According to example aspects, the clamp halves 102 a,b can be formedfrom a cast material, such cast iron, including ductile iron in someaspects, as will be discussed in further detail later in the presentdisclosure. In other example aspects, the clamp halves 102 a,b can beformed from another suitable material, or a combination of materials,that are known in the art, including but not limited to other metals,plastic, resin, synthetic materials, and fibers. According to exampleaspects, the void wall 114 of the pipe clamp 100 can define asubstantially circular cross-sectional shape, as shown, to engage a pipe418 that also defines a substantially circular cross-sectional shape.However, according to other aspects, the void wall 114 can be formedwith another cross-sectional shape, as desired, including, for example,oval, square, rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, pentagonal, etc., tomatch varying cross-sectional shapes of piping.

The pair of clamp halves 102 a,b can be coupled together by the pair offasteners 126. The fasteners 126 can be, for example, track bolts orstandard hex bolt. Example aspects of the fasteners 126 can be generallymushroom-shaped, comprising a dome-shaped head end 128 and a cylindricaltail end 130 extending therefrom. In some aspects, the cylindrical tailend 130 of the fastener 126, or a portion thereof, can comprisethreading, as shown. The threaded tail end 130 of a first one of thefasteners 126 can be configured to pass through the openings 222 in thelugs of the first ends 104 of the clamp halves 102 a,b, and the threadedtail end 130 of the second one of the fasteners 126 can be configured topass through the openings 222 in the lugs of the second ends 106 of theclamp halves 102 a,b. As shown, according to example aspects, thedome-shaped head ends 128 of the fasteners 126 can abut the outersurface 110 of a first one of the clamp halves 102 a adjacent acorresponding opening 222. Each of the fasteners 126 can be secured tothe clamp halves 102 a,b, and can secure the clamp halves 102 a,b to oneanother, by coupling a mating threaded nut 132 to the threaded tail end130 of the fastener 126 and tightening the nut 132 against the outersurface 110 of the other one of the clamp halves 102 b. For example, thenut 132 can be a standard hex nut. The nut 132 can be tightened againstthe outer surface 110 as desired to reach a preferred engagementstrength between the pipe clamp 100 and the pipe 418 (shown in FIG. 4 ).The fastener 126 and the nut 132 can be formed from any suitablematerial, including, but not limited to, metal and plastic, suchstainless steel. Further, in other aspects, the fasteners 126 can beclips, rivets, snaps, adhesives, welds, or any other fastening deviceknown in the art. Moreover, while two fasteners 126 are shown in theexample aspect of FIG. 1 , one of skill in the art will appreciate thatanother number of fasteners 126 can be used to couple the clamp halves102 a,b together. Furthermore, the clamp halves 102 a,b can be definedas segments of the pipe clamp 100, and in other aspects, the segmentscan be defined as quarters or thirds, or any other number of segmentscan be used in other aspects.

As shown, the first ends 104 of the clamp halves 102 a,b can be disposedadjacent one another, and the second ends 106 of the clamp halves 102a,b can be disposed adjacent one another. In example aspects, a gap 134can be defined between each of the first ends 104 and the second ends106. A section of the tail end 130 of the corresponding fastener 126 canextend through the gap 134.

The pair of lips 120 projecting inwardly from the first ends 104 of theclamp halves 102 a,b can be spaced apart to define a slot 138therebetween, and the pair of lips 120 projecting inwardly from thesecond ends 106 can be spaced apart to define a slot 138 therebetween.Each slot 138 can define a pathway extending from the corresponding gap134 to the void 116. According to example aspects, each slot 138 candefine a width that can be less than a width of the gap 134 and a widthof the void 116. In other example aspects, each of the pairs of lips 120can be touching. Further, in still other aspects, the clamp halves 102a,b can be formed without lips 120 projecting therefrom. Example aspectsof the pipe clamp 100 can further comprise a bearing 136 positionedaround the section of the fastener 126 disposed in the gap 134, and thebearing 136 can be configured to rotate relative to the fastener 126. Insome aspects, the bearing 136 can serve to maintain a pre-determinedminimum distance between the clamp halves 102 a,b, setting minimumwidths of the gap 134 and the slot 138. By preventing the ends 104,106from contact, the slots 138 allow the clamp halves 102 a,b to deformfully against the pipe 418 during tightening of the pipe clamp 100 andengage the pipe 418 along the entire distance of the semi-cylindricalwalls 192.

The pipe clamp 100 can further comprise features for improving the gripbetween the pipe clamp 100 and the pipe 418. For example, the pipe clamp100 can comprise one or more projections 140 configured to engage thepipe 418 received within the void 116. As shown in FIG. 2 , an exampleaspect of the clamp halves 102 a,b can comprise a plurality ofprojections 140 disposed on the semi-cylindrical walls 192. One or bothof the clamp halves 102 a,b can comprise the projections 140. In exampleaspects, the projections 140 can be configured to lie in a series ofcolumns 294 extending from a first side 242 of the semi-cylindrical wall192 to a second side 244 of the semi-cylindrical wall 192 and a seriesof rows 296 extending circumferentially about the semi-cylindrical wall192. Thus, a pipe 418 (shown in FIG. 4 ) received in the void 116 (shownin FIG. 1 ) can be engaged by the projections 140 along the length ofthe semi-cylindrical wall 192. In other aspects, the projections 140 canbe arranged in another fashion. The projections 140 can provide a morepositive engagement between the pipe clamp 100 and the pipe 418, whichcan aid in preventing the pipe 418 received within the void 116 frommoving with respect to the pipe clamp 100, and vice versa.

FIG. 3 shows Detail Y of FIG. 2 , which illustrates a close-up view ofone of the projections 140 formed on the semi-cylindrical wall 192. Asshown, example aspects of the projection 140 can be formed as atriangular prism. The projection 140 can comprise four walls 346 (threeof which are shown) extending from the semi-cylindrical wall 192. A baseof the projection 140 can be integrally formed with the semi-cylindricalwall 192. The walls 346 of the projection 140 can meet at their upperends to form a top edge 348 of the projection 140. Example aspects ofthe top edge 348 of the projection 140 can extend generally parallel tothe void wall 114 (shown in FIG. 1 ) and to the void axis C extendingthrough the void 116 (shown in FIG. 1 ). According to other aspects, theprojections 140 can define another shape, such as a tetrahedron, atriangular pyramid, a square pyramid, a cone, a hemisphere, etc. Instill other aspects, the projections 140 can be formed on the pipe 418(shown in FIG. 4 ) and can be configured to engage the void wall 114 ofthe pipe clamp 100. Moreover, other example aspects of the pipe clamp100 and/or pipe 418 can comprise other or additional mechanisms forincreasing the grip strength between the pipe clamp 100 and the pipe418.

As noted above, example aspects of the clamp halves 102 a,b can beformed from cast material. In one example aspect, the clamp halves 102a,b can be formed from cast iron. The clamp halves 102 a,b can be castfrom cast material by casting the clamp halves 102 a,b in a mold, suchas, for example, by sand casting or shell-mold casting. A benefit offorming the clamp halves 102 a,b from cast material can be that theprojections 140 can be formed integrally with the clamp halves 102 a,bsuch that the projections 140 are monolithic with the clamp halves 102a,b. Forming the projections 140 integrally with the clamp halves 102a,b can reduce the likelihood of the projections 140 breaking off fromthe clamp halves 102 a,b (as opposed to projections 140 that can beformed separately and attached to the clamp halves 102 a,b via afastener (not shown), such as, for example, an adhesive or welding,although these features could be present in other aspects of the currentdisclosure) and can thereby improve the performance of the pipe clamp100. Moreover, forming the projections 140 integrally with the clamphalves 102 a,b can reduce manufacturing time and costs. Still anotherbenefit of cast material, such as cast iron, can be its strengthcompared to other similar materials, such as steel, which can be subjectto stretching. Forming the clamp halves 102 a,b and the projections 140from cast iron can aid in preventing stretching and deformation of theclamp halves 102 a,b and the projections 140 while simultaneouslyallowing the cast iron to deform against the pipe 418 if the curvatureof the semi-cylindrical walls 192 does not match the curvature of theouter diameter of the pipe 418 during tightening to engage the pipe 418more firmly and more consistently around the semi-cylindrical walls 192and to dig the projections 140 more deeply into the pipe 418. In otheraspects, the clamp halves 102 a,b can be formed from another suitablematerial, or a combination of materials, that are known in the art,including but not limited to other metals, plastic, resin, syntheticmaterials, and fibers. Furthermore, in other aspects, the clamp halvescan be formed by any other suitable methods of manufacturing, including,but not limited to, CNC machining, forging, sand casting, and investmentcasting.

FIG. 4 illustrates the pipe clamp 100 in engagement with the pipe 418.The pipe 418 can be formed as a hollow tube comprising a cylindricalsidewall 450. The sidewall 450 of the pipe 418 can define an outersurface 452 and an inner surface 454. The clamp halves 102 a,b can bepositioned on opposing sides of the pipe 418 and can be fastenedtogether around the pipe 418 by the fasteners 126. The pipe 418 can bereceived within the void 116 (shown in FIG. 1 ), and the void wall 114(shown in FIG. 1 ) of the pipe clamp 100 can engage the outer surface452 of the sidewall 450 of the pipe 418. As shown, void axis C canextend along a centerline of the void 116 and a centerline of the pipe418. The fasteners 126 can be selectively tightened, as described abovewith reference to FIG. 1 , so that the pipe clamp 100 can engage thepipe 418 at a desired strength. As the fasteners 126 are tightened, theprojections 140 (shown in FIG. 1 ) projecting from the void wall 114 canbe pressed into the outer surface 452 of the pipe sidewall 450,increasing the grip strength between the pipe clamp 100 and the pipe418. The increased grip strength can aid in preventing the pipe 418 frommoving with respect to the pipe clamp 100, and vice versa. Exampleaspects of the pipe 418 can be formed from a cast material, such as castiron. Examples of cast iron can include ductile iron, gray iron, andmalleable iron. In other example aspects, the pipe 418 can be formedfrom another suitable material, or a combination of materials, that areknown in the art, including but not limited to plastic, other metals,resin, synthetic materials, and fibers.

According to example aspects, as shown in FIG. 4 , the pipe clamp 100can be coupled to a seismic brace assembly 456. The seismic braceassembly 456 can engage the pipe 418 of a piping system to support thepiping system from a structure, such as an I-beam or a concrete wall orceiling of a building, for movement along with the structure. Theseismic brace assembly 456 can comprise a brace member 458 and afastening assembly 460 for attaching the pipe clamp 100 to the bracemember 458. Example aspects of the fastening assembly 460 can comprise ajaw 462 and a fastener, such as an eye bolt 464, coupled to the jaw 462.The jaw 462 can be coupled to the brace member 458, and the eye bolt 464can be coupled to the pipe clamp 100. According to example aspects, theeye bolt 464 can be rotatable with respect to the pipe clamp 100 and canallow for movement of the brace member 458 with respect to the pipeclamp 100, and vice versa. For example, the eye bolt 464 can engage theintermediate portion of the fastener 126 that extends through gap 134(shown in FIG. 1 ) formed between the first ends 104 of the clamp halves102 a,b. In some aspects, the eye bolt 464 can engage the bearing 136(shown in FIG. 1 ) that can be rotatably coupled to the fastener 126.The seismic brace assembly 456 can be mounted to a structure, and can bemovable with respect to the structure, allowing the pipe 418, and theassociated piping system, to move along with the structure during, forexample, a seismic event, or another event that can cause movement of astructure, such as settling. In other example aspects, the eye bolt 464can be replaced with another suitable fastener known in the art.

FIG. 5 illustrates another example aspect of the clamp halves 102 a,b.As shown, a notch 566 can be formed in each of the lips 120 extendingfrom the inner surfaces 112 of the opposing first ends 104. Exampleaspects can further comprise a similar notch 566 formed in each of thelips 120 extending from the opposing second ends 106 (shown in FIG. 1 ).The notches 566 formed in each adjacent pair of lips 120 can define anorifice therebetween, such as a passage 568 extending between the void116 and the corresponding gap 134. Example aspects of the passage 568can be referred to as a pad slot. According to other example aspects,the orifice can define a recess (not shown), as opposed to a passage,that does not extend through to the void 116. Example aspects of thenotches 566 and the passages 568 defined by the notches 566 can define agenerally rectangular cross-sectional shape. Example aspects of thepassages 568 can be wider than the slots 138 formed between thecorresponding pairs of lips 120.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example aspect of a support flange 670. Thesupport flange 670 can comprise a flange body 672 and a hole 674 formedin the flange body 670. In example aspects, the hole 674 can be athrough-hole. The flange body 670 can define a first end 676 and asecond end 678. According to example aspects, the first end 676 of theflange body 672 can define a generally curved profile, and the secondend 678 of the flange body 672 can define a generally straight profile.The first end 676 of the flange body 672 can comprise a key 680extending therefrom. The flange body 672 can define a base surface 682extending between the first end 676 and second end 678. Example aspectsof the base surface 682 can be substantially flat to engage asubstantially flat support surface (not shown) of a structure. Further,according to example aspects, a length L of the base surface 682 of theflange body 672 can be greater than a height H of the flange body 672.Example aspects of the support flange 670 can be formed from a metalmaterial, such as steel or cast iron, including ductile iron in someaspects. In other example aspects, the support flange 670 can be formedfrom another suitable material, or a combination of materials, that areknown in the art, including but not limited to plastic, other metals,resin, synthetic materials, and fibers.

According to example aspects, as shown in FIG. 7 , the pipe clamp 100can be configured to engage a pair of the support flanges 770. A firstone of the support flanges 770 can be coupled to the first ends 104 ofthe clamp halves 102 a,b, and a second one of the support flanges 770can be coupled to the second ends 106 of the clamp halves 102 a,b. Asshown, the first end 776 of each support flange 770 can be receivedwithin the corresponding gap 134 formed between the first ends 104 andsecond ends 106. In the depicted example aspect of FIG. 7 , the firstends 776 of the support flanges 770 define a straight profile withsquared ends, as opposed to the curved profile illustrated in theexample aspect of FIG. 6 . The key 780 of each flange 770 can bereceived within the corresponding passage 568 (shown in FIG. 5 ) formedbetween the corresponding pair of lips 120. According to exampleaspects, the passage 568 can be sized to substantially match the size ofthe key 780, or can be just slightly larger than the key 780, such thatmovement of the key 780 within the passage 568 can be limited. A hole(not shown) formed in each of the support flanges 770 can be configuredto align with the corresponding openings 222 in the first ends 104 andsecond ends 106 of the clamp halves 102 a,b, and the fasteners 126(shown in FIG. 8 ) can pass through the holes 774 formed in the supportflanges 770 and the openings 222 formed in clamp halves 102 a,b. Exampleaspects of the support flanges 770 can extend in a direction that can besubstantially perpendicular to the void wall 114 and the void axis C(shown in FIG. 1 ), and the base surface 782 of the support flange 770can face downward, relative to the orientation shown. Further, exampleaspects of the support flanges 770 can comprise a generally rectangularcross-section.

As shown in FIG. 8 , example aspects of the pipe clamp 100 can engage ariser pipe 884. The riser pipe 884 can be part of a larger pipingsystem, such as a fire protection system, that can be installed in astructure and typically extend upwards through the structure. The riserpipe 884 can be received within the void 116 (shown in FIG. 1 ) of thepipe clamp 100 and the fasteners 126 can be tightened such that the voidwall 114 (shown in FIG. 1 ) and projections 140 (shown in FIG. 1 )extending therefrom engage the riser pipe 884 at a desired strength. Thepipe clamp 100 can further comprise a pair of the support flanges 670extending therefrom.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the example aspect ofFIG. 8 taken along line 9-9 as shown in FIG. 8 , further in engagementwith a support surface. The riser pipe 884 can extend through an opening986 in a support surface, such as a concrete floor 988. The pipe clamp100 and support flanges 670 can be oriented above the floor 988,relative to the orientation shown. The base surfaces 682 of the pair ofsupport flanges 670 can rest on and bear downwardly upon the concretefloor 988 to transfer a portion of the load of the piping system to theconcrete floor 988. An upper surface 990 of the concrete floor 988 candefine a substantially flat profile to match the substantially flatprofile of the base surface 682 of each of the flanges 670. The basesurfaces 682 of the flanges 670 can be attached to the upper surface 990of the concrete floor 988 by a fastener (not shown)—for example screws,bolts, clips, rivets, snaps, adhesives, welds, or any other suitablefastener known in the art. In other aspects, the base surface 682 ofeach of the support flanges 670 can rest on the upper surface 990 of theconcrete floor 988 without being attached to the concrete floor 988.

One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments donot include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, suchconditional language is not generally intended to imply that features,elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particularembodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to beperformed in any particular embodiment.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any processdescriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood asrepresenting modules, segments, or portions of code which include one ormore executable instructions for implementing specific logical functionsor steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included inwhich functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executedout of order from that shown or discussed, including substantiallyconcurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionalityinvolved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the artof the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be madeto the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantiallyfrom the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, thescope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and allcombinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspectsdiscussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended tobe included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and allpossible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements orsteps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A pipe clamp assembly comprising: a pipeclamp comprising a first clamp segment and a second clamp segment, thefirst clamp segment defining an inner surface, a first end, and a secondend, the second clamp segment defining an inner surface, a first end,and a second end, the inner surfaces of the first and second clampsegments defining a void extending through the pipe clamp; and a supportflange coupled to the pipe clamp between the first end of the firstclamp segment and the first end of the second clamp segment, the supportflange substantially perpendicular to the void and configured to supportthe pipe clamp assembly on a support surface; wherein the void isconfigured to align with a pipe opening formed in the support surface.2. The pipe clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the void extendssubstantially vertically through the pipe clamp, the support flangeextends substantially horizontally from the pipe clamp, and a basesurface of the support flange is configured to rest on a substantiallyhorizontal upper surface of the support surface.
 3. The pipe clampassembly of claim 2, wherein a length of the support flange is greaterthan a height of the support flange.
 4. The pipe clamp assembly of claim3, wherein the length and the height of the support flange are greaterthan a depth of the support flange.
 5. The pipe clamp assembly of claim1, wherein the pipe clamp defines a passage formed between the firstclamp segment and the second clamp segment, the support flange defines aflange body and a key extending from a first body end of the flangebody, the key engaging the passage of the pipe clamp.
 6. The pipe clampassembly of claim 5, wherein a height of the key is less than a heightof the flange body.
 7. The pipe clamp assembly of claim 5, wherein thefirst clamp segment defines a first notch and the second clamp segmentdefines a second notch aligned with the first notch, and wherein thefirst notch and second notch cooperate to define the passage.
 8. Thepipe clamp assembly of claim 7, wherein: the first clamp segment definesa first lip extending from the inner surface thereof proximate to thefirst end thereof; the first notch is defined in the first lip; thesecond clamp segment defines a second lip extending from the innersurface thereof proximate to the first end thereof; and the second notchis defined in the second lip.
 9. The pipe clamp assembly of claim 8,wherein the first lip and the second lip are spaced apart and define aslot therebetween to allow for deformation of the first clamp segmentand the second clamp segment around the pipe.
 10. The pipe clampassembly of claim 5, wherein the first clamp segment defines a first lugat the first end thereof, the second clamp segment defines a second lugat the first end thereof, the first lug is spaced from and substantiallyparallel to the second lug, and the first body end of the support flangeis disposed between the first lug and the second lug.
 11. The pipe clampassembly of claim 10, wherein the first lug defines a first opening, thesecond lug defines a second opening, the support flange defines a holesubstantially aligned with each of the first opening and the secondopening, and a fastener extends through each of the hole, the firstopening, and the second opening to couple the support flange to the pipeclamp.
 12. The pipe clamp assembly of claim 11, wherein the fastener isconfigurable in a tightened configuration, and wherein, in the tightenedconfiguration, the first end of the first clamp segment is biasedtowards the first end of the second clamp segment.
 13. The pipe clampassembly of claim 5, wherein the passage is in communication with thevoid.
 14. The pipe clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein: the supportflange is a first support flange; the pipe clamp assembly furthercomprises a second support flange coupled to the pipe clamp between thesecond end of the first clamp segment and the second end of the secondclamp segment; and the second support flange is substantiallyperpendicular to the void and configured to further support the pipeclamp assembly on the support surface.
 15. The pipe clamp assembly ofclaim 14, wherein the second support flange is substantiallyhorizontally aligned with the second support flange.
 16. A method ofsupporting a pipe with a pipe clamp assembly comprising: providing apipe clamp comprising a first clamp segment and a second clamp segment,each of the first clamp segment and the second clamp segment defining afirst end and a second end opposite the first end; inserting the pipethrough a pipe opening in a substantially horizontal support surface;positioning the pipe within a substantially vertical void of the pipeclamp, the substantially vertical void defined between the first clampsegment and the second clamp segment; coupling a support flange to thepipe clamp, the support flange extending substantially horizontally fromthe pipe clamp; and resting a base surface of the support flange on thesubstantially horizontal support surface to support the pipe on thesubstantially horizontal support surface.
 17. The method of claim 16,further comprising tightening the pipe clamp around the pipe, andwherein tightening the pipe clamp around the pipe comprises: inserting afastener through a first opening formed through the first end of thefirst clamp segment and a second opening formed through the first end ofthe second clamp segment; and tightening the fastener to draw the firstend of the first clamp segment towards the first end of the second clampsegment.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the fastener is a bolt, andwherein tightening the fastener comprises tightening a nut on the boltand pressing the nut against an outer surface of one of the first clampsegment and the second clamp segment.
 19. The method of claim 17,wherein coupling the support flange to the pipe clamp comprises aligninga hole of the support flange between the first opening and the secondopening and further inserting the fastener through the hole.
 20. Themethod of claim 16, wherein: the pipe clamp defines a passage formedbetween the first clamp segment and the second clamp segment; thesupport flange defines a flange body and a key extending from a firstbody end of the flange body; and the method further comprises insertingthe key of the support flange into the passage of the pipe clamp.